Landmark 070523

Brook eld native takes stage in Lookingglass production

Pawlik has major in ‘Lucy and Charli Honeymoon’ throug

July 16

By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

In the early 2000s, Doug Pawlik was teenager, hanging out with friends or honing his music and acting skills on stage side-Brookfield High School.

Two decades later, the Brookfield native is an accomplished performer and artist, who has a major role in a world-premiere production with the renowned Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago.

Through July 16, Pawlik stars as Martin in Lookingglass’ “Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon,” a musical exploring the story of firstgeneration Asian American newlyweds who embrace “the worst of the American dream” — both adventures and misadventures — while road tripping across the country.

The play was written by Matthew C. Yee, who appeared on Broadway in “Almost Famous.”

“The show has a lot of dark humor [and] observations about current society,” Pawlik said. “It has some deep subjects which it deals with, but you leave the show hopefully having experienced a lot of different emotions. And, it has really great music —all the songs are super memorable and effective.”

In his role as Martin, Pawlik says his character is — to put bluntly — not a nice guy.

“Martin’s a dangerous man with a shady past,” he said. “A lot of shows have to have a bad guy, and Martin is not a nice guy. Martin is kind of the overarching danger in the show — the kind of bad guy that he is an amalg am of the things that are feared in American society, including people who take advantage of people in certain ways.”

A 2003 graduate of RBHS, Pawlik says his high school experience fostered his lifelong passion for music and theater. During his time at RBHS, Pawlik served as drum major of the marching band, performed as a lead actor in stage productions all four years, and

was a founding member of the school’s chamber singers and men’s ensemble group

“Diane Marelli and Kevin McOlgan were the choir and band directors while I was at RB, and they are some of the main reasons why me and several of my classmates really took a strong favor towards being artists, making music and theater,” he said. “The program was very strong back then, and I definitely credit everything I did at RB as what really led me to loving the arts.”

After receiving his B.A. in music performance in 2009 from North Central College in Naperville, Pawlik immersed himself in the theater world, both locally and nationwide

He’s worked extensively at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace as a stage manager, backstage crew member and performer, acted at Paramount Theatre in Aurora and Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago, and has performed nationally at The Pasadena Playhouse in California), Actors Theatre of Louisville and American Repertory Theater in Boston.

A commercial actor as well, Pawlik has appeared in TV commercials, and most recently, played a bank manager on an episode of NBC’s award-winning primetime drama, “Chicago Fire.”

“It is a constant effort that you’re looking for the next show, because shows in Chicago don’t run for years like they do on Broadway,” Pawlik said. “I’ll do a show for three months, and then I’m usually auditioning for something right after. It is the kind of job that you always have to keep yourself prepared and

ready for auditions and in shape.”

In addition to acting, Pawlik sings with “The Four C Notes,” a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute band, and is a founding member of “Cowboy Jukebox,” a countryinfluenced alt-rock cover band

Pawlik’s work with Lookingglass comes 11 years after performing as an understudy in a show and working with the company in a variety of workshops.

“Lookingglass is a very supportive theater for new work — they tend to do shows that are originals,” he said. “‘Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon’ is very fun, and we’re performing at an intimate theater where you’re not going to miss a moment no matter where you’re sitting. It’s very cool to be so close to experiencing this live, concert-like show.”

Now married to a fellow actor, Leah Morrow, and raising two daughters in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood, Pawlik’s message for young people interested in acting and music is simple: don’t be afraid to seek guidance from others and find a way to forge your own path.

“Start playing music, take voice lessons, participate in community theater — reach for that next step and try something that looks cool,” he said. “Keep your ears open, go to the theaters, find people who can get you in touch with others. It doesn’t matter where you come from -- you can make something if you find people who are passionate and you just go for it.”

Lookingglass, which is celebrating 35 years of theater in Chicago, is located at 821 N. Michigan Ave. Late last week, the theater announced that due to ongoing struggles along with other nonprofit theaters across the country following the pandemic, it will be reducing staff and producing fewer shows and operating in different ways as it works to reimagine its future.

In a statement from theater leadership, Lookingglass added it will be launching a public campaign to raise $2.5 million to invest in the company’s future and remain committed to developing original programming and continued investment with Chicago Public Schools

For more information about Lookingglass and to purchase tickets for “Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon,” visit lookingglasstheatre. org.

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BRANDON DAHLQUIST

Doug Pawlik

BIG WEEK July 5-12

Chicago and Radio’s Golden Age

‘Dir ty Dancing’ at Village Commons

Join Nor th Riverside Parks & Rec for their Movie of the Month presentation of the 1987 favorite “Dir ty Dancing” starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey on July 7 at 1 p.m. in the council room at the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave.

Admission, popcorn and refreshments are free, but you must reser ve a seat by calling 708-442-5515.

Join radio host and “Nostalgia Digest” publisher Steve Darnall for “Windy City On Air: Chicago and the Golden Age of Radio” on July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Nor th Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave.

The program explores Chicago’s many groundbreaking contributions to the medium, including soap operas, morning radio shows and local legends. Register to attend at nor thriversidelibrary.org/ events-new.

Light Up the Night Ride

Cycle Brook eld invites you to join their special twilight slow roll, Light Up the Night, on July 7. Meet at Compassion Factor y, 9210 Broadway Ave., at 8 p.m. Ride star ts at 8:30 p.m. and will travel at a leisurely pace through Brook eld for ve

And more

■ The Frederick Law Olmsted Society and village of Riverside will hold a Landscape Workday on July 8 from 9 a.m. to noon at Scottswood Common. Come for as long as you like. Supervised children welcome. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. All other supplies and snacks provided. Look for the public works dump truck

■ The Riverside Farmers Market operates each Wednesday through Oct. 4 from 2:30 to 7 p.m. in Centennial Park, at Forest Avenue and Longcommon Road. The Brook eld Farmers Market returns every Saturday through Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

miles. Prize for Best Light Bike, so light up your bike and wear a helmet. Family friendly, all rider levels welcome.

For more, visit facebook.com/groups/cyclebrookeld or cyclebrook eld.com.

in the parking lot of the Brook eld Village Hall, 8820 Brook eld Ave.

■ North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., presents Baby and Me (4-24 months w/adult) on July 7 at 10:30 a.m., Lego Club (all ages) on July 7 at 4 p.m., Crafternoon: Citrus Slice Wristlets on July 8 at 1:30 p.m., Sewing 101 (grades 6-12) on July 8 at 1:30 p.m., Big and Little Storytime (children w/adult) on July 10 at 10:30 a.m., Stretching and Meditation on July 10 at 6 p.m., My First Storytime (4-24 months w/adult) on July 11 at 11 a.m. and Safari ABCs (child w/adult, every other week in Spanish) on July 12 at 10:30 a.m. Register for programs online at northriversidelibrary.org/

RAC unveils three new exhibitions

Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quinc y St., invites you to an opening reception for three new exhibitions on July 9 from 3 to 6 p.m.

The annual Members’ Exhibition is on display in the Freeark Gallery while the 2023 Kids Show is in the FlexSpace Galler y. Both shows run through July 29. Gallery hours are ThursdaySaturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also a reception for “Summer, Joy and Harmony,” featuring large acr ylic paintings by Joe Fournier at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, on July 9 from 3 to 6 p.m., with light refreshments ser ved at RAC, 32 E. Quinc y St. The exhibition continues in the lobby of the township hall through Sept. 29.

After the receptions, join RAC for a private happy hour at Quinc y Street Distiller y, 39 E. Quinc y St.

events-new

■ Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., presents Fairytale Storytime (all ages w/ caregiver) on July 6 at 10:30 a.m., Chair Zumba on July 7 at 1:30 p.m., Legotastic Saturday on July 8 at 10:30 a.m., ESL Conversation Practice /Práctica de Conversación ESL on July 8 at 11 a.m., Book Babies (babies & caregivers) on July 10 at 10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga (virtual) on July 10 at 11 a.m., Rain Gardens: Community Panel on July 10 at 7 p.m. and a Film Discussion Series screening of the UK lm “Sweetheart” on July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Call 708485-6917 or visit online at brook eld.evanced.info/ signup to register for programs

■ Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents Boost Your Brain and Memory on July 6 at 6 p.m., At The Spot: Decoupage Tile Coaster Making on July 6 at 7 p.m., Friday Outside Storytime on July 7 at 10 a.m., Mindfulness Together meditation on July 7 at 11 a.m., Legopalooza on July 8 at 10 a.m., Storytime in the Community Garden (400 Nuttall Road) on July 11 at 9 a.m. and Bingo (all ages) on July 12 at 11 a.m. To register for programs, visit online at riversidelibrary.org/events.

■ The Brook eld Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts

STEVE DARNALL

Joe Fournier, “ e Red Cello,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 inches

North Riverside: Pay debts or no permits

New local law aims to collect money owed to v illage

By BOB UPHUES Editor

If you live in or own a home in North Riverside and you’re looking to buy a new vehicle sticker or obtain a permit to do property improvements or get a license to do business, you’d best not owe the village any money.

On June 19, the village board voted unanimously to amend its code to add language saying, “no license permit or application shall be issued or accepted from any person or entity that is indebted to the village of North Riverside.”

So, if you are someone who hasn’t paid for a vehicle sticker on principle because you always park your car in the garage –and possibly if you’ve been holding out on paying red-light camera tickets -- be forewarned.

According to Ryan Lawler, the village’s

finance director, in the past residents could obtain building permits or other licenses even if they owed the village money. In recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, unpaid water bills were a particular pressure.

Lawler said that at the height of the pandemic, the village had as much as $200,000 in unpaid water charges, although that has dipped to about $50,000. More recently, village officials have noticed a downturn in vehicle sticker revenues after changes made to the fee structure last year.

“It’s tough because you don’t want to be the big, bad village, but there are costs to every program that we manage, and part of that is revenue collection,” Lawler said. It’s a very fine line, but the direction we’ve been given from the board is to at least put a program in place where it makes it more difficult to sort of rob Peter to pay Paul, that you can go and get a permit to put in a

new deck at your house but you don’t have to be current on your water bill.”

North Riverside officials don’t have a firm number yet on exactly how much is owed to the village from the various permit and licensing programs, how much in redlight camera or local ordinance violation revenue is outstanding.

Staf f is in the process of collecting that data, and it doesn’t appear people are going to be turned away for every unpaid debt immediately. However, by the end of 2023, said Lawler, the village hopes to have a program fully in place.

But some enforcement activity has increased already with respect to vehicle stickers and water bill collection. Not only has the balance of outstanding water charges gone down, but the village is beginning to see more vehicle sticker purchases.

“We’ve been encouraged there, but we can still tell there’s a lot of people that have

opted not to purchase a sticker,” Lawler said. “But we have a general sense of how many cars are in town and how many vehicle stickers we have sold, and there’s a gap there.”

Lawler said the village doesn’t have a firm number yet on just how much is sitting out there to be collected, and Lawler acknowledged requiring residents to pay debts in order to get permits or other licenses could result in unpermitted property improvements taking place.

“We’re trying to be more creative in how we approach the revenue side, and unfortunately it’s going to impact the residents and the business owners as well; we’re cognizant of that,” Lawler said. “But at the end of the day it’s about fair ness and equity … if you’ve incurred a debt on the village. How is that fair on one side to say, ‘Hey, you don’t have to pay,’ but their neighbor next door has to pay? It is about fairness.”

Riverside sticking with 100% green power program

Local customers could end up paying a premium, can opt out

By BOB UPHUES

Editor

Back in 2012, municipalities across Illinois were jumping on a bandwagon known as “electrical aggregation,” enlisting thirdparty companies to negotiate rates with power providers and pass the savings along to customers.

At the time, the aggregators were able to offer rates well below ComEd’s. Over the next couple of years, Riverside electric customers saved a combined $800,000 compared to what they would have paid ComEd. Brookfield’s savings were even higher, totaling more than $1.5 million.

It didn’t last long. As the difference between ComEd rates and aggregation rates narrowed or disappeared, Brookfield and North Riverside ended their aggregation programs in 2014 and 2015, respectively

Only Riverside held fast, approving new aggregation contracts in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020 -- and not because the program was necessarily saving customers any money Riverside electric customers who did not opt out of the aggregation program likely paid a premium between 2015-20, though probably not enough to have wiped out the savings from those early years of the program, according to Sharon Durling, president and CEO of Illinois Aggregation Consultants

From 2020-23, there was no difference between the amount Riverside aggregation program customers paid compared to ComEd, because the village chose a ComEd price match contract with MC Squared Energy Services to deliver 100% renewable energy

MC Squared’s ComEd price-match offer this time around could only promise Riverside 5% green energy

But elected officials continued to renew the program and on June 15 voted to approve a 12-month contract with Dynegy Energy, beginning in October, for a fixed-rate of 7.571 cents per kilowatt hour in order to maintain the village’s status as a leader in supporting green power generation.

That decision would appear at first to have come at a premium compared to the 7.055 per kilowatt hour that ComEd will begin charging in October. Based on the ComEd rate remaining unchanged, the average Riverside household in the aggregation program could expect to pay about $3.58 per month more for the electricity supply portion of their bill compared to a ComEd customer

However, said Durling, ComEd’s rate may face volatility. First, the utility announced it was eliminating a half-cent variable tax, called a Purchased Electricity Adjustment, which could result in either an extra charge or a credit for customers in any given month.

“For July, it was a small credit, so we don’t know how that’s going to fall out or whether it will lead to greater volatility,” Durling said.

In addition, according to Durling, ComEd did not pre-purchase its entire power load this year, so it may be forced to seek power on the daily market.

“Will that be a benefit or not?” Durling asked. “We just don’t know.”

Going with the aggregation prog ram guarantees the fee being charged at least

for the supply of electricity and it is a 100% green energy program.

Anyone who would prefer to go with ComEd or another power supplier can opt out of the aggregation program. Riverside electricity customers will receive a mailing with information about how to opt out.

Since 2015, the village has only contracted with companies that can provide them with a 100% green aggregation program, resulting in Riverside ranking third in the nation on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Communities List, with 75.7% of electricity consumed in the village credited to green power sources.

From 2020 to 2023, according to village data, Riverside’s 100% green electrical aggregation program offset more than 130 million kilowatt hours of power with Renewable Energy Credits from wind farms in the Midwest.

The equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, according to the village, compares to more than 103 million pounds of coal bur ned

Illinois holds the top three places on the U.S. EPA’s list, with Riverside trailing only Lake Barrington and Libertyville

RBHS sports teams moving to Upstate 8 Conference Bulldogs will begin competing in the league in 2024-25

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School has found a new conference for its athletic teams, but they will have to wait a year to start competing in it.

Starting with the 2024-25 school year, RBHS will compete in an expanded Upstate 8 Conference. For 2023, the RBHS football team will play for one season in the Southland Conference before moving to the Upstate 8 the following season.

Most other sports teams at RBHS will com-

pete this year in the remnant of a shrunken Metro Suburban Conference with longtime conference mates Ridgewood, Elmwood Park and Westmont.

RBHS has long been searching for a new conference, but especially since it was announced that all the private schools in the Metro Suburban Conference would be leaving the conference to join either the Chicago Catholic League or the new Chicagoland Christian Conference.

In the 2024-25 school year RBHS, Ridgewood and Elmwood Park will all join the Upstate 8 conference as will for mer conference

member West Aurora, giving the league 14 schools, up from the current 10.

The Upstate 8 will probably split into two divisions in 2024-25, at least for football, but the makeup of those divisions has yet to be determined

The Upstate 8 currently is made up of Elgin High School, Larkin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Streamwood, East Aurora, Glenbard South, Glenbard East, West Chicago and Fenton.

“We’ve been searching for a permanent home for a while,” said RBHS boys basketball coach Mike Reingruber. “It’s a great move for all sports, and we’re looking for-

ward to the competition and we’re creating new rivalries.”

The Upstate 8 Conference was founded in 1963 and has traditionally been known as a powerhouse basketball conference led by East Aurora, West Aurora and Elgin.

“Those are all historic gyms in the Chicago area that we’re definitely looking forward to competing in,” Reingruber said.

The original eight member schools of the Upstate 8 were Elgin, Larkin, East Aurora, West Aurora, DeKalb, Glenbard East High School, Wheaton High School and Naperville High School.

RBHS athletic director steps down, heads back to classroom

Curtin

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Re

After five years at the associate principa for athletics, more commonly known as the athletic director, for Ri High School, Brendan Cu down and will return to the year as a physical education teacher

Superintendent Kevin Skinkis said the school had a vacancy its the W ment after someone who had changed their mind.

“The timing just worked out,” Skinkis said. Curtin made $113,491 last sociate principal for athletics. He will mak $97,568 in the 2023-24 school year as a teacher Having more time to spend to watch hi two children, who are both outstanding high school athletes, play sports was the major factor in Curtin’s decision to step down as athletic director.

“I understand the decision,” Skinkis said. “Brendan has two children who are similar in age to my kids, and they’re very active in high school sports, and I think it allows him to spend more time watching his kids compete and be with his family. I appreciate everything that Brendan has done in the athletic office. He has definitely left it better than he found it and he will still always be a Bulldog.”

served as assistant football coach last season at league rival IC

Skinkis said he and RBHS Principal Hector ware Curtin was helping out all on days that he did not have after school responsibilities at RBHS. Skinkis said ve a problem with Curtin oaching at IC last year

“I knew he was helping out with his kid’s team, and as long as it did not conflict with s, I think we were fine,” ust think it became too much ids being high school athrying to balance their schedules kload for being the AD.”

oard President Deanna Zalas told andmark that she became aware at the ootball season that Curtin was IC. Zalas didn’t directly answer she had a problem with Curtin another school while he was the thletic director at RBHS.

pearances.

His 2015 team went 10-2 and advanced to the IHSA Class 6A quarterfinals. Before coming to RBHS, Curtin was the offensive coordinator at Nazareth Academy

In addition to news of Curtin stepping down as AD, one of the top players on last year’s RBHS football team, rising senior lineman Jackson Ramos, is transferring to Immaculate Conception next year. Ramos confirmed to the Landmark that he has transferred there.

Skinkis said RBHS will likely have an interim athletic director, likely two retirees, sharing the position, for the 2023-24 school year while the administration conducts a search for a per manent replacement.

Conception High School.

Last year, Curtin served as an assistant football coach at Immaculate Conception, then a conference rival of RBHS, while serving as athletic director, a move that did not sit well with many in the RBHS athletics and football community

IC is a perennial football power and won the IHSA Class 3A state championship last year Curtin was listed as an IC assistant coach on the IHSA website for the state championship game and was on the IC sideline during game.

Both Skinkis and Zalas said the decision to resign as associate principal of athletics at RBHS was Curtin’s alone

Curtin, a 1991 graduate of RBHS, did not reply to a request for comment from the Landmark.

Curtin was the athletic director at RBHS for five years. He was also head football coach for 10 years before stepping down from that position after the 2021 season. Curtin had a 48-46 record as the head football coach at RBHS and led the Bulldogs to six playoff ap-

Before Curtin was hired as athletic director at RBHS in 2018, the school had two retirees, Tom Domin and John Treiber, shared the position of interim athletic director for three years. Domin will likely return to RBHS as part of another job sharing arrangement.

“I’m sure we’ll be talking to candidates like Tom and John and those guys,” said Skinkis, who added that he hoped the school board will approve hiring interim athletic directors at the July 11 meeting.

Treiber told the Landmark that he will not be able to work at RBHS during the upcoming year, because he helping to care for his elderly parents

BRENDAN CURTIN

Suspected catalytic converter thieves arrested

North Riverside police arrested two men suspected of stealing catalytic converters after a public works employee reportedly saw one of them crawl out from underneath a vehicle parked in the 2400 block of Hainsworth Avenue on June 27 at about 12:30 p.m.

The employee told police he saw a black Chevy Malibu facing southbound on Hainsworth just north of Traube Street in the center of the road next to another vehicle. Next, he saw a man in all black clothing wearing a black mask emerge from under the other vehicle and get into the Malibu, which drove south toward 26th Street.

While police later learned that the catalytic converter remained intact on the other vehicle, they also learned that the Indiana license plates on the Malibu previously had been on an Infiniti wanted in connection with a catalytic converter theft at the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, on May 16.

License-plate reader cameras infor med police that the Malibu had entered and exited the mall property after leaving Hainsworth and Traube, and a Riverside police officer located the vehicle at Harlem Avenue and 25th Street.

With the Malibu stopped in northbound traffic on Harlem Avenue, three police squad cars boxed it in. The driver of the Malibu, later identified as Mychael Williamson, 27, of Chicago, allegedly struck two police vehicles and another vehicle in traffic while trying to maneuver the Malibu out of the police boxin.

One police officer exited his squad and ordered the two occupants out at gunpoint. The passenger, later identified as Marcellius Tarver, 27, of Chicago, reportedly ran from the car but was apprehended about 15 yards away

Williamson reportedly exited and ran north and wound up locking himself in the men’s bathroom at Chipotle near the corner of Harlem and Cermak in Berwyn. Police forced the door open and took Williamson, who was wearing an ankle monitor after being placed on probation on June 1, into custody. The monitor reportedly placed him at Hainsworth and Traube at the time the village employee called police.

Police reported finding a reciprocating saw and used saw blades inside the Malibu and a sawn-off catalytic converter in the trunk. Police also reported that the Malibu was registered to a corporation in Iowa.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Williamson with aggravated fleeing/

eluding police, while Tarver was charged with a felony count of possession of burglary tools. Both were also charged with resisting arrest.

■ Brookfield police on June 28 charged a 38-year-old Brookfield man with 33 counts of possession of catalytic converters after police recovered 33 of the devices from the home of a relative following an investigation into a spree of recent catalytic converter thefts in the village.

Police developed the man as a suspect after they obtained security video from one of the recent thefts, but they apparently could not directly tie him to any of those incidents However, police reportedly obtained consent to search the relative’s residence and found catalytic converters of all kinds in the garage and basement.

During an interview with police the man reportedly admitted he buys catalytic converters from third parties looking to get rid of them quickly and that he extracts the very valuable rhodium, melts it down and sells it for large sums of money Brookfield police sought felony charges against the man, but the Cook County State’s Attor ney denied the request.

SUV pins woman against pole

A Brookfield woman accidentally wound up pinned between her SUV and a utility pole in the alley after she re portedly got out of the vehicle to close her garage door on the afternoon of June 27. Emergency personnel responding to the scene arrived to find the woman freed from the vehicle and pole. The person who called 911 was on scene and told police he was driving by when he observed the woman trapped. He was able to enter the SUV and turn it of f at which time the woman was able to wriggle free.

The woman, who was taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries, told police that as she was leaving her garage, the overhead door malfunctioned.

She believed she had put the vehicle in park and exited it to attend to the door. At the time the SUV, which was in gear, began moving forward toward the utility pole. As the woman attempted to get back into the vehicle, she inadvertently got trapped between it and the pole and was pinned there for about two minutes before the passerby arrived to help.

Lock those doors

Brookfield police reported that someone opened the doors to about 10 unlocked vehicles overnight on June 26-27 on the village’s north end, but apparently left the interiors of those vehicles undisturbed.

Police responding to the area found at least nine vehicles with doors wide open in the 3100 and 3200 block of Prairie Avenue, the 8900 block of Monroe Avenue and the 9100

block of Monroe Avenue

In each case, the vehicles’ owners told police the interiors appeared the same as they’d left them. Security camera video reportedly showed someone who was wearing a lightcolored shirt opening vehicle doors while walking northbound on Prairie Avenue.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Ri verside and Brookfield police departments, June 2529, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

New Brook eld gateway, parks signs to be installed

Part of an initiative to make public signage consistent across the village

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield’s gateway intersection at 31st Street and Grand Boulevard as well as four park facilities will be getting new signage in the next month or so as village officials continue to update public signage and make them consistent in design.

The old Kiwanis Club welcome sign at the corner of 31st Street and Grand Boulevard will be replaced by a new roughly 6-by-4-foot aluminum “Welcome to Brookfield” sign mounted on black poles, matching the gateway sign erected a couple of years ago at Ogden and Eberly avenues

The Brookfield Kiwanis Club has folded since the sign at 31st Street and Grand Boulevard was last spruced up and the village now owns the triangular-shaped property where it sits.

Other new signs – all with burgund colored Cane

at the entrance to the oak savanna at Kiwanis Park, outside the Recreation House at Elm and Shields avenues in Ehlert Park and outside The Water Tower recreation building just north of the railroad tracks on Maple Avenue.

hole meeting that the signs 2015 Open Space Plan.

“[Those] included creating a consistent brand across park and gateway signage, as well as to install signs that require similar or same replacement and maintenance needs,” Ferrari said.

All of the sign panels are made of aluminum, with the park signs having two-dimensional vinyl graphics. The “welcome” sign has raised aluminum graphics. The Recreation House and Water Tower signs will also state the facilities are for the Parks and Recreation Department’s “early childhood programs.”

Right now, there’s no indication what the buildings, which look like a residence and a municipal pumping station, are actually used for.

The total cost for purchase and installation of the signs comes to about $30,000. It’s expected that staff will ask the village board at its July 10 meeting to waive competitive budding and approve the expenditure, using the same company the village has used to manufacture recent new directional and gateway signage.

Once the expenditure is approved, it should take four to six weeks to have the new signs in place, according to , such as the south entrance to hlert Park

BOB UPHUES/Editor

New

signs for the 31st/Grand gateway and four v illage parks will mimic the style of other newer signs, such as this one at Washington and Golf.

Heav y rains overwhelm sewers, leading to ash ooding

Des Plaines River remains below ood stage due to prior drought

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The northwest corner of North Riverside appeared to be the area most affected by a record rainfall from a slow-moving stor m that drenched the Chicago re gion on July 2, overwhelming sewer systems, leading to widespread street and basement flooding.

While the National Weather Service did not have specific rainfall total for North Riverside, the northeast portion of Berwyn — the area closest to northwest North Riverside, was hit by a whopping 8.96 inches of rain

The water service said the 3.35 inches of rain recorded at O’Hare Airport surpassed Chicago’s previous daily record rainfall of 2.06 inches set on July 2, 1982.

Vince Ranieri, North Riverside’s public works director, said the village received 6.3 inches of rain total, and that 5 inches of that total fell within a 3.5-hour period that morning

“The west end of town was not too bad,” Ranieri said. “There was some flooding at 10th Avenue and 24th Street, but probably the worst area was around Northgate and Traube.”

The sewers in that part of the village are tied in with the system serving North Riverside Park Mall, whose south and west parking lots were inundated

“Cars were completely underwater there,” Ranieri said.

The westernmost entrance to the mall of f Cermak Road was blocked by barricades to prevent cars from venturing in. The parking lot in front of Urban Air along 25th Street, east of the mall, was also flooded

While street flooding caused some inconvenience, Ranieri said having water in the streets was simply a matter of the sewer system not being able to keep up with that

amount of rain

“I’d rather have water sitting on the street than in people’s basements,” he said.

Meanwhile, Riverside received 6.04 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. However, no streets sures were necessary, said Riverside Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley.

First Avenue, which, in heavy rain situations, routinely floods under the BNSF bridge, was clear the entire time, Buckley said. One factor that helped reduce flooding there was that the Des Plaines River ne came close to flood stage.

The drought preceding the rain had re duced the river level to about 1.5 feet. While the Des Plaines rose rapidly on July 2, it crested at 5.88 feet, more than a foot below the 7-foot flood stage

“We were pretty good,” said Buckley , who added that the only spot where water of any significance started pooling in the street was in the 3100 and 3200 block of Harlem Avenue.

However, there were plenty of basements and yards that flooded, perhaps none worse than Riverside resident Ken Circo, whose backyard near Shenstone and Harlem was under about 9 inches of water

“My yard is the low spot in the neighborhood, so not only do we flood, but we get everyone else’s runof f, too,” Circo said. “This is the worst I’ve ever seen it. We had water halfway up the first step of our deck. Water’s never even come up to the deck before.”

No official total was recorded by the National Weather Service for Brookfield, but resident Allen Goodcase, who operates his own weather station at his home near Ehlert Park, re ported getting 5.88 inches of rain.

Goodcase reported that southbound East Avenue was closed to traffic at 47th Street, the first time he’d ever seen that happen.

A portion of LaGrange Road was also closed between 49th Street and 51st Street. In addition, the low-lying position of Ogden Avenue underneath the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad viaduct flooded.

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Mulch: A Strong Drought Fighter

Even with the recent surge of rainfall, this year has seen a relative drought throughout the region. As a result, it is imperative to limit its negative effects through proper horticultural practices.

Of course, supplemental

watering is integral to ensuring your landscape stays healthy. Another key component: mulch, which plays a vital role in helping your landscape thrive. What benefits does mulch provide to limit drought stress?

� It acts as an insulating layer that will keep your soils cooler. Cooler soils = happier roots and plants.

� It reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, thereby helping reduce your watering needs as you retain moisture.

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� Mulch being a natural product helps improve the soils. As mulch breaks down, it can assist in improving soil structure and supplying essential nutrients for plant uptake.

We offer a variety of natural, shredded hardwood mulch products that not only beautify your property but protect the investment in your home’s landscape.

MEDINA

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from page 1

With the park on one side of the street and industrial buildings on the other, it’s typically a quiet spot for the after-hours hangout, away from residences. The classic car owners are typically older guys, in their 40s and 50s, some bring their kids.

“It was a cool hangout; we’ve hung out there many times before,” said Roger Martinez, an administrator for Chi Town Classic Cars Club. “It was the first time we were there this year. Nobody’s ever had any problems or anything.”

This time there was a problem.

Medina and a friend were simply hanging out when they heard gunshots nearby. The friend told police he took of f running to take cover and assumed Medina was behind him. When he turned around, he saw Medina had been shot in the chin. Detectives are still investigating the shooting.

Paramedics transported Medina to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, about seven miles away, where he remained in critical condition until June 26, when he died, another innocent victim of gun violence in the United States.

He leaves his wife of 20 years, Alesandra, and two daughters, 16-year-old Laura, who is a student at Riverside-Brookfield High School, and 9-year-old Thalia, who attends Blythe Park School.

Medina’s older sister, Sylvia, was the

first to be notified. She broke the bad news to his wife.

“He was a wonderful man, a family man, a businessman who went out of his way for a lot of people,” Sylvia said.

Georgia Concepcion, a family friend, has set up an online fundraiser to assist the family with medical and funeral expenses. It can be found at gofundme.com/f/xbuzr-funeralmedical-expenses

“He was just trying to have a nice evening hanging out with friends and then this happens,” Concepcion said. “We were hoping for a miracle and are in disbelief. I can’t believe [this] week we have to sit there and cry on his

casket.”

A funeral Mass for Medina will be celebrated on July 7, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Odilo Church in Berwyn. On July 1, family and friends gathered in the parking lot of St. Odilo School for a balloon release in Medina’s memory. The balloons were blue and gray, Medina’s favorite color combination.

Medina was an organ donor and shortly after his death, staff at Christ Hospital joined family members in lining a hallway to pay respect as his body was wheeled past.

“He had the biggest heart anyone has had,” Sylvia said. “Four people are able to live on because of him.”

14 apply to ll D204 school board vacancy

Three candidates who ran and lost in this spring’s school board elections and a vocal critic of Lyons Township High School’s attempted sale of its Willow Springs property are among the 14 applicants for the vacant position on the LTHS school board that the LTHS school board interviewed on June 26 in closed session.

The school board will appoint someone to serve out the two remaining years of Julie Swinehart’s term at a special meeting on July 5 at 6 p.m. Swinehart resigned last month.

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The for mer candidates who applied are David Herndon, Tim Vlcek and Justin Clark. Herndon finished fourth in last spring’s school board election, Vlcek finished fifth and Clark finished seventh.

All the applicants were given 10 minutes on June 26 to answer the same five questions Superintendent Brian Waterman reportedly

sat in on the interviews

Clark, an assistant principal for building operations at Richards High School, said that he too applied to fill the vacancy because he still has the passion to serve on the school board. Clark’s son will be freshman at LTHS in the fall.

Whiting, the owner of an engineering company that specializes in machine design, said his knowledge would bring diversity of thought to the school board. But Whiting, who denounced the school board’s attempt to sell its land in Willow Springs to an industrial firm, acknowledged that he is probably a long shot to be appointed to the school board.

“I don’t think I have a realistic chance, but I think they could use diversity on their board,” Whiting said.

The other applicants are for mer District

102 school board member Leah Werab; current District 101 school board member Brett Lettiere, who is the Humanities Department chairman at Argo High School; Timothy King, a partner in the law firm of Chico & Nunes and the for mer general counsel of the Chicago Park District; lawyer and for mer FBI agent James Williams; project manager Elvia Nava; Anthony Arendt, the commercial technology liaison for the Defense Innovation Unit, a part of the Defense Department; Sofia Teresa Duran, an alumna of LTHS and the for mer president of the bilingual parent advisory committee of LaGrange School District 102; real estate broker Ericka Taylor; attorney Greg Norgle; and Shawn Kennedy, a financial advisor and for mer member of Indian Head Park Village Board.

TODD A. BANNOR

Alesandra Martinez, wife of the late José Alejandro Medina, holds a recent family portrait with her two daughters, alia (le ) and Laura at Saint Odilo School on Saturday, July 1.

— Bob Skolnik

Scott McAdam Jr.

Rashid to form advisor y councils to get constituent input

Wants feedback on education, immigration, environment and commerce

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) is looking for a few good people to serve on new Citizens Advisory Councils that he is creating to advise him on four specific issue areas.

In his first term as a member of the nois General Assembly, Rashid is creating four Citizens Advisory Councils to advis him on education, immigrant rights, environmental issues and small business issues

Members of these new councils must li or work in the 21st District, which includes substantial portions of Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside.

“We’re launching our citizen advisory councils to get input and feedback from residents on what their recommendations are for my legislative agenda next year,” Rashid told the Landmark.

Rashid says that it is important that that he hears from constituents about issues that they care about.

“The crux of this is going to be that we actually get a real group of people and meet and discuss these issues,” Rashid said.

Rashid says that he envisions each advisory council to consist of perhaps five to 10 people, though he is not wedded to any particular number

“I wouldn’t necessarily be looking to limit it if there is real interest,” Rashid said. “We’re still thinking through that, I don’t know that there is necessarily a limit. I do want a broad representation from the dis-

Anyone interested in serving on an advisory council can apply and express their interest by filling out a form on Rashid’s website at re prashid.com. Rashid said that he expects the councils to meet at terly.

“I fully intend for it to be a really meaningful eng agement,” Rashid said. “I don’ t want this to be something that’s on paper and doesn’t actually help influence my policy agenda.”

Rashid recently completed his first le gislative session in Springfield after being elected to office last November. He upset incumbent Mike Zalewski in the June Democratic primary and defeated Re publican Matthew Schultz in the g eneral election.

“It’s really wonderful [to be in office],” Rashid said. “We had a very productive session, passed a budg et that’s both fiscally responsible and that uplifts working f amilies by investing in education, health care and child care.”

But, being in office is different than campaigning.

“You have to govern with colleagues, including colleagues on the other side of the aisle and different branches of government,” Rashid said. “That involves compromise and that involves, you know, having to re present the district but also work with people who may have different ideas on how things should happen.

“That’s the nature of our democracy and it’s just been a really incredible experience seeing democracy in action in Springfield, and I’m very happy with the outcome of our session.”

Rashid pointed to laws passed to address gun control, re productive rights, health care and education.

Next year, Rashid said he would like to see some refo rm of the Illinois property tax system. He said that while the General

Assembly this session addressed an issue with tax sales, there is more to be done

“[We need] to make sure that our assessment system is fair and that working class f amilies and homeowners aren’t paying more property taxes than they should,” Rashid said. “I am hopeful that we’ll make more progress on this, but I do wish that had been done before we adjour ned.”

In an issue dear to his heart, Rashid sponsored a bill that was passed that creates a new ethnic identity box on state for ms those of Middle Eastern or North African ethnicity

“It adds [those choices] to state forms so that we can count the Arab community and other minorities from the Middle East,” Rashid said.

On May 1, Rashid attended an event at the White House to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, the feast that celebrates the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“It was nice to see Muslim leaders from across the country, including Cong resswoman Rashida Tlaib and others,” Rashid said. “It was my first time in the White House, and really enjoyed the visit.”

Soon after the legislative session ended, Rashid received his MBA de gree from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. He had been a student in the part-time evening progr am for the last few years.

“I studied economics and finance so that I could use those skills to contribute to our state’s prosperity and well-being,” said Rashid, who received his bachelor’s de gree from Harvard.

“I fully intend for it to be a really meanin gf ul

Hitting home

What, exactly, is it going to take for we as a people to combat the epidemic of gun violence that has become woven into the very fabric of American life?

If we’ve learned one thing from the proliferation of firearms in the last decade it is that an armed society is sure as heck not a polite society. It is a dangerous and reckless society.

We read or hear about acts of random gun violence daily, to the point where the sheer awfulness of these events barely moves the needle. Even mass shootings are routine in American life. We have come to accept that we must train school children how to act in the event of a mass shooting.

Twenty years ago, if you told some high schooler that their kids would be doing active shooter drills, they would have thought you were insane.

Many of the gun violence victims – more often than not innocent bystanders in the wrong place at the wrong time --are unknown to us. On June 23, that reality came home when Jose Alejandro Medina was shot while hanging out with friends next to their classic cars on the western border of a park on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

The car owners, who’d just wrapped up a car show at Mor ton Colle ge, had picked the location specifically because it was a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. Industrial buildings were closed up for the night and that stretch of Kilbourn Avenue was tucked away from homes.

Yet, gun violence found them. Car owners scrambled for cover and then quickly left the area, many not knowing anyone had been shot. But one of those rounds found Medina, who died three days later at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn.

A Riverside family is without a husband and father. Medina’s five siblings have lost a brother, and his parents have lost their son.

Police are said to be investigating the case. Eight shell casings were recovered at the scene, but the police report noted that no one could describe the shooter.

Another life lost to senseless gun violence.

OBITUARIES

Catherine Benjamin, 67

Retired exec utive secretar y

Catherine Benjamin (nee Zwierzchowski), 67, of LaGrange Park and for merly of Brookfield, died June 28, 2023.

Ms. Benjamin was a retired executive secretary who worked for the village of LaGrange.

She was the wife of Patrick Benjamin; the mother of Matthew (Gabriela) Lettiere; the grandmother of Gwen Lettiere and Charlie Lettiere; the sister of Daniel Zwierzchowski, Barbara Steely, the late Richard Zwierzchowski and Leonard Zwierzchowski; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Services and interment are private

Hitzeman Funeral Hom e, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Catherine Benjamin family.

Daniel M. Luethje Sr., 64

Worked at General Packaging Products

Daniel M. Luethje Sr., 64, of Riverside, died June 28, 2023 in Berwyn.

Mr. Luethje was born Feb. 8, 1959 in Chicago. He was a member of the Chicago Wise Guys and Freemasonry. Daniel spent 44 years at General Packaging Products, Inc. He was the husband for 47 years of Susan (nee Egan); the father of Daniel (Michelle) and Kari (Tim) Giacomelli; the grandfather of Lillian, Timothy, Jack, Samantha, Tess and Violet; the brother of Harry Jr. (Rita), Patricia (Patrick)

Maher, the late Peter, the late John (late Janice) and the late Bridget (late Robert) Maher; the uncle of Bobby Jr., Peter, Dawn, Patrick, Timothy, Brian, Steven, Katy, John, Michael Jr., Tricia, Pe gg y, Tif fany and Mary; and a cousin, neighbor and friend to all.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 3 at Mater Christi Church in North Riverside, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.

Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at JohnsonNosek.com.

Alejandro Medina, 47

Riverside resident

Alejandro Medina, 47, of Riverside, died unexpectedly on June 25, 2023.

He was the husband of Alesandra Martinez for a loving 20 years; the father of Laura Medina and Thalia Medina; the son of Luz Robles and Francisco Javier Medina; the brother of Simon Medina, the late Laura Medina, Sylvia Medina, Ernesto (Christina Busso) Medina, Marisa (Eduardo) Torres and Johana (Alan Lara) Sanchez; and the uncle of Ricardo, Michael Angelo, Briana, Robert, Melanie, Caroline, Nathan, Nicholas, Daniel, Yosseline, Yasmeen and Yasline.

Family and friends are to gather for the visitation on Thursday, July 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside (located between Mannheim and Wolf Road).

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 7, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Odilo Church, 2300 East Ave., Berwyn. Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

Edward J. Satala Sr., 95

Real estate associate broker

Edward J. Satala Sr., 95, of La Grange and for merly of LaGrange Pa rk , died June 29, 2023.

Mr. Satala ser ve d in the U. S. Ar my during the Ko rean Wa r and was a long-time member of the Masons S unrise Lodge 996, Scottish Rite, Medinah Shriner s, Shriners Hospital for Children, Dobrovsky C lub and was a Eucharistic Minister at L aGrang e Hospital for 25 year s. He wo rked in real estate as an associate broke r.

He was the husband of 68 year s to Lois Satala (nee Vo draska); the father of Edward J. Satala Jr., S heryl (John) Grever and Mark (Stacy) Satala; the gr andfather of Matthew (Bridget) Grever, Philip Satala, L aura ( Nicholas) Roth, Adam Satala, K risten Satala, Ta ra Satala and A nna Satala; the great gr andfather of Henr y, C olin, C harli e, James and E mma; and the brother of the late John Satala Jr. and Frank Satala.

Vi sitation is T hursd ay, Ju ly 6 from 3 to 8 p. m ., with a Masoni c service at 7 p. m ., at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield. A dditional visitation will be held F riday, Ju ly 7 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followe d by a f uneral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Pa rk . E ntombment is at Queen of Heaven C emeter y, Hillside.

In lieu of fl ower s, memorials are appreciated to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Pa rk Ave., Chicago, 60707.

S end sympat hy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Edward J. Satala Sr. family.

JOANNE KOSE Y

Joanne Kosey is taking the week of f.

WATER RATES 14.24% increase

from page 1

He was also struggling to understand the timing of the notice, which arrived shortly before an email from the village informing him that water rates were increasing by another 14.24%.

One of the ways residents can reduce the risk of lead in their water, the village’s notice states, is to “run the water for three to five minutes to clear most of the lead from the water.”

“It’s poor timing to raise rates when at the same time they’re telling you to run more water,” Bober said.

The June 1 water rate hike comes on the heels of two increases in 2022 that raised water rates nearly 20%.

Under the new rate structure, the minimum annual water bill (based on five units, or 100 cubic feet, of water) in Riverside will increase from $495 to $554.71, while the average annual bill (11 units) will rise from $1,089 to $1,220.37.

Every water customer in Riverside should have received notice of the rate increase, and Bober isn’t alone in getting the lead service line notice in the mail. As a matter of fact, a good many residents have been receiving identical notices.

According to Riverside Public Works Director Dan Tabb, the notices are part of a larger ef fort to identify which residences are served by lead water service lines as the village prepares a plan to re place them.

The increase in water rates effective June 1 is also tied into the lead service line re placement project, which will play out over years.

On Jan. 1, 2022, a new state law went into effect which requires all lead water service lines in Illinois to be replaced according to a prescribed timeline based on the number of lead water lines in any given municipality.

The law requires municipalities to submit an initial lead service line inventory to the state by April 15, 2024 and to sub-

mit a final re placement plan, including a replacement schedule and details on costs and financing by April 15, 2027.

According to Tabb, the lead service line notice Bober and others have received is required by state law when a municipality verifies a property is served by a lead water service line.

The village has been compiling its lead service line inventory in a number of ways, said Tabb, including “compliance inspections, high water bill investigations and water meter replacements.”

As for the language re garding ways to reduce lead, “The notification contains standard language on how to minimize lead in the drinking water,” Tabb said.

According to the village of Riverside’s 2022 water quality re port, which was published earlier water supply “meets or exceeds all federal and for

with an inventory etween 1,200

Making the dream of owning a home a reality is a big step for many people. Whether a fixerupper or dream home, homeownership is a milestone that can come with a learning curve. First-time homeowners should make themselves familiar with authorized deductions, programs that can assist with home ownership and the use of housing allowances that can be beneficial. When it comes to home ownership, the IRS considers a home to be a house, condominium, cooperative apartment, mobile home, houselx>at or house trailer that contains a sleeping space, toilet and cooking facilities. Most home buyers take out a mortgage loan to buy their home and then make monthly payments to the mortgage holder. This payment may include several costs of owning a home.

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

The only costs the homeowner can deduct are:

• state and local real estate taxes, subject to the $10,000 limit

• home mortgage interest, within the allowed limits

• mortgage insurance premiums

Taxpayers must file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Income Tax Return for Seniors, and itemize their deductions to deduct home ownership expenses. However, taxpayers can’t take the standard deduction if they itemize.

Minister’s or military housing allowance: Ministers and members of the uniformed services who receive a nontaxable housing allowance can still deduct their real estate taxes and home mortgage interest. They don’t have to reduce their deductions based on the allowance .

a rate of not less than 6% up to

While the village has not yet worked out a re placement schedule, officials know that they must already plan to immediately re place lines.

This summer, Riverside is scheduled to replace a water main along Shenstone Road. Part of that work will be re placing 51 lead water service lines that connect the main with homes.

The cost to re place each line varies, ranging from between $7,500 to more than $12,000 from main to meter, according to Tabb. Using $10,000 as a ballpark figure, that means it will take around $30 million to re place all of Riverside’s lead water service lines.

Riverside officials could have required individual property owners to come up with the “private” portion of the line replacement – the section from the B-box to the water meter – or even the entire line.

Instead, the village plans to issue bonds to pay for the cost, repaying the debt through adjustments to water rates instead of making customers come up with thousands of dollars all at once

PHONE:

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PART-TIME

ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Experience or not.

Call for more information.

708-738-3848

SYSTEMS ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will perform a variety of complex technical duties in design, application programming and development, PC configuration and support, testing and maintenance of the Village’s computer application systems and perform a variety of technical duties as required. Knowledge of a wide variety of computer programming languages and systems, such as, City View Permit, License & Inspection Suite, Laserfiche, ESRI ArcGIS, MS-SQL, Reporting Tools, Java and HTML is wanted. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application by visiting the website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. This position is open until filled.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Veterinarian sought by Companion Animal Hospital of River North, a Mission Veterinary Partners company, in Chicago, IL to diagnose and treat various medical conditions of client-owned animals including, but not limited to, involving physical exams, sample collection, and performing laboratory tests to achieve a diagnosis. 20% of travel btw Chicago-based MVP veterinary hospitals req’d. Requires ability to obtain IL Veterinarian License. Related degree and/or experience required. Multiple openings. To apply, send resume and cover letter to Companion Animal Hospital of River North via email at mvpcareers@mvetpartners.com and reference company name, job title and job location.

GARAGE SALES

Qualifications:

& Community Relations Coordinator

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or other related areas

• Three to five years of experience in a school district setting or public sector agency is preferred

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), including editing, layout & design, desktop publishing, and the maintenance and use of social media platforms and website for communications

Job Duties:

• Develop and implement strategic communication goals and plans

• Serve as information liaison between the District and community at large

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

• Serve as public relations counsel to the Superintendent

• Create, produce, ensure accuracy and distribute regular communications

• Manage the District website and social media accounts

Please apply at: https://www.district90.org/about/employment

District 90 values a talented and diverse workforce. As an equal opportunity employer, it is the policy of the River Forest Public Schools, District 90, to not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment.

CROSSING GUARD

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard. This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@ forestpark.net.

Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

Data Engineer wanted by Egencia LLC in Chicago, IL. Writing code utilizing Python, Java, Spark, & SQL; Working w/ data & delivering good-quality code. Fostering & strengthening a deep understanding of vast data sources in the cloud & know precisely how, when, & which data to use to solve particular business problems. Must have a Bach deg in Comp Sci, Electrical Engg or rltd field + 5 yrs of relavent exp. Salary range $122,470 - $184,000. Add’l reqmts for the position may be found on our career website through the link: Apply online: https://www.egencia.com/en/careers Req#J-61578.

Logistics Manager sought by Amazing Trucking & Logistics in Chicago Heights, IL to dir actvts rltd to dsptchng, rting or trckng transport vhcls. Reqs BS in Finance, Business or rltd field & 1 yr exp in rltd occptn. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 3025 E End Ave, Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Principal Software Engineer sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC. in Chicago, IL. Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref # 91408.

WANTED TO BUY

Senior Associate (Chicago, IL) for Adams Street Partners, LLC to dvlp web applics focused on data capture & mgmt, reporting, & integrations w/ 3rd party systems for investment acctg & treasury operations. Reqs Bach deg in Comp Sci, Data Analytics or rltd field of study, & 5 yrs exp in any job title/occupation/position involving full-stack dvlpmt. Exp specified must incl 5 yrs exp w/ each of the following: fin’l services domain working in Asset/Investment Mgmt or Private Equity industry; ASP.Net, C# & SQL Server; interfacing w/ the business directly & performing Business Analytics duties; bldg & consuming RESTful APIs; & automated unit testing. Telecommuting permitted up to 3 days/wk. Salary: $108,576 - $143,400/yr. To apply visit https:// uscareers-asp.icims.com/jobs/1453/ it-software-developer-%28senior-associate%29/job?mobile=false&width=1510&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240

Sport Performance Operations Manager/Lead. Chicago, IL. Using sports performance mgmt & business dvlpmt background in sports performance/wearables industry, dvlp sales & performance strategy & expand US client base. Gather mkt & customer info & qualify prospects. Provide data analytics, reporting & troubleshooting to elite, high-performance sports teams. Assist w/ onboarding of new sales team members & provide continual coaching (pricing, quoting, contracts & addendums) to ensure max margins. Deliver & lead team meetings, in-services & events. Supv 4 business dvlpmt team members. Travel 10-15% (Domestic). Bachelor’s in Sports Science, closely rltd field, or foreign equiv + 2 yrs exp as Sr.-level Sports Scientist or Sports Performance Mgr in a sports performance/ wearables sales role working w/ elite sports teams. 2 yrs exp must incl negotiating pricing, delivery & customer mgmt, organizing & conducting product demos, providing training, & implmtg systems, performing checkups, on-field performance analysis & rltd sports science consultancy. Mail resume to: Paul McAfee, STATSports North America Inc., 332 S. Michigan Ave, 9th FL, Chicago, IL 60604. No calls.

HOME SERVICES

STATE OF ILLINOIS)

COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Aisha T. Oliver, Petitioner and Terrell Hollins, Respondent, Case No. 2021D002298.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before May 24, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

IRIS Y MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 28, July 5, July 12, 2023

refinishing of wood and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty!

YARD SERVICES

FAST DELIVERY

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Bidders Village of Forest Park

Time and Place of Opening of Bids: Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois 60130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M., July 27, 2023.

Proposals will be opened and read publicly at 10:00 o’clock A.M., July 27, 2023.

Description of Work:

Name: Ferdinand Ave. and Wilcox St. Resurfacing Location: Ferdinand Ave. Roosevelt to Harrison, Wilcox St. Des Plaines to Railroad

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PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE State of Illinois County of Cook

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance of the Park District of Forest Park, County of Cook, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024 will be held at the Administration Building, 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130 on July 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Jackie Iovinelli Park District Board Secretary

Dated this June 26, 2023

Published in Forest Park Review July 5th, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Villages of River Forest and Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2023 Permeable Paver Maintenance (Joint Bid)

This project consists of varying degrees of maintenance to be performed on permeable pavers as well as a small amount of paver removal and replacement in order to restore the stormwater conveyance and filtering capability of the pavement cross-section. The work is expected to include more than 30,000 sf of permeable paver restorative maintenance, more than 31,000 sf of permeable paver preventative maintenance and 10 sy of permeable paver removal and replacement.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, June 30, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at:

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Public notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

Application #24-01: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 553 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

The applicant is: Jon Olof Bergstrom, Sher-Bergstrom Architects, Inc.

Residents are welcome to attend the July 20th, 2023 Historic Preservation Commission meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www.vrf.us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments and can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-366-8500 with questions.

Luke Masella Staff Liaison

Historic Preservation Commission.

Published in Wednesday Journal July 5, 2023

Property Index No. 16-05-319-0080000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $417,344.71.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

FLOORS

KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 • www. klisflooring.com

Proposed Improvement: Curb and sidewalk removal and replacement, ADA improvements, HMA surface removal, HMA leveling binder, HMA surface course, parkway restoration.

Bidders Instructions: Plans and proposal forms will be available in the office of http://cbbel. com/bidding-info/ or at www.questcdn.com. Under login using Quest CDN #8545791 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. A login will be required.

By Order of: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, (Awarding Authority)

Published in Forest Park Review July 5, 2023

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals, without the consent of the ruling body from each participating Village, for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Each participating Village reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal July 5, 2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-OAR4 Plaintiff, -v.-

ELLEN C. SCHNACK, RANDALL C. SCHNACK

Defendants 19 CH 14891 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 4, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 31, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-092500.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 19-092500

Attorney Code. 42168

Case Number: 19 CH 14891

TJSC#: 43-2421

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will